08/07/2026
LEAP EAST 2026 DEBUTS IN HONG KONG
LEAP East 2026 officially opened in Hong Kong, marking the first time the globally renowned tech summit has been held outside Saudi Arabia. Held from 8–10 July, the event brought together global leaders in technology, investment and innovation to forge stronger ties between the Middle East and East Asia.
The inaugural Asia-Pacific edition aims to build a new two-way investment and innovation corridor between the Middle East and East Asia, fostering collaboration in AI, fintech, smart cities, deep tech, digital transformation and other emerging technologies.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted the city's unique position as a "super connector" linking Chinese Mainland with global markets and welcomed the continued partnership with Saudi Arabia, with LEAP East set to be hosted in Hong Kong for the next three years. Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Professor Sun D**g also noted the strong international participation, with more than 35,000 visitors, 450 exhibitors, 340 speakers and over 400 investors from around the world attending the landmark event. The Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Alswaha, also officiated the opening ceremony.
The successful launch of LEAP East underscored Hong Kong's growing role as a global innovation and technology hub and strengthened its position as a bridge between Asia and the Middle East. As a supporting partner of LEAP East 2026, HKETO Dubai will continue to encourage events in Middle East to establish in and partner with Hong Kong.